Driving on holidays can be unpleasant due to the increased traffic and road congestion. To manage this issue, this year (2023) several European countries have enforced bans prohibiting certain vehicles, such as trucks, from driving on specific roads during certain hours. In this article, we will discuss the driving bans imposed in some European countries, the legislation that applies to them, and some exceptions from the ban.
A truck driving ban is a legal restriction on the operation of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on specific roads or during certain times. These bans are typically put in place to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and minimize the impact of heavy vehicles on the environment.
Truck driving bans are commonly implemented during peak holiday periods when many people are traveling on the roads. The bans usually apply to HGVs that exceed certain weight and size limits and may be restricted during certain hours or specific days of the week.
In the European Union, driving bans are governed by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. This regulation sets out the rules on driving times, breaks, and rest periods for drivers of commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in order to improve working conditions and road safety.
The implementation of truck driving bans during holidays is primarily the responsibility of individual EU member states. However, these bans must be consistent with EU legislation. For example, the driving ban in Germany is governed by Section 30 of the German Road Traffic Act (Straßenverkehrsgesetz) and the Regulation on Restrictions on Driving (Fahrverbotverordnung). InPoland, the legislation governing this ban is The Act Of 20 June 1997, The law on road traffic, which clearly specifies the rules and conditions of traffic covering all public roads.
The driving ban during holidays in 2023 was enacted as a way to address several issues that arise during holiday periods. These issues include traffic congestion, air pollution, and road safety concerns.
During holidays, there is often a significant increase to the number of vehicles on the road, particularly on popular travel dates. This often leads to traffic congestion, which can have a negative impact on the environment and cause delays for travelers. Heavy goods vehicles are particularly problematic during peak travel periods due to their size and weight. They can contribute to increased levels of air and noise pollution, as well as increasing the risk of accidents.
The 2023 driving ban applies to several European countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. Each country has its own rules and regulations regarding applicable dates and times for the ban. It is important to carefully review these restrictions to avoid any violations and ensure that your travel plans are not affected.
Here’s a breakdown of the dates and times that the driving ban applies in each of these countries.
Eurowag is a leading provider of smart solutions to optimize commercial road transport business in Europe. With Eurowag, drivers can easily manage toll payments, fuel expenses, and other transportation-related costs. We also offer a range of services to help drivers comply with traffic laws and regulations, including driving bans.
If you want to find out when and where the truck driving ban applies across Europe at all times, our Fleet Management service is your best bet. It allows you to see legal driving times in real-time, helping you plan your routes more efficiently, avoid unnecessary fines and stay compliant with driving legislation across Europe. You can also see how much time your drivers have during a particular period and get notifications when they’re almost at their limit. Visit our website to learn more and get started.
